'…just- one more.. stroke…' fingers trembled, barely enough control to jerk his forefinger straight, forcing the last remnant of his flickering chakra, condensing it, inflicting it, onto the bruising skin of a child. '..one last…ssssh, hush…..please…..just….' His brow his slick with sweat and blood, his chest heavy, weighing him steadily to the ground. The child's wails raised around his ears, making his mind unfocused and bleary with pain. But he wasn't done, he had yet to seal it, and the child-

'Naruto…please, bear with it…..' he choked , he could scarcely keep conscious. The heat, the trembles of pain that slicked his otherwise numb limbs, the ashen filled air that choked him. He could do this, he must. The blood had started to flake, a coppery rusty colour that had ran and stained, but the chakra tightened it the seal lines, he crossed it over the radius- finally, it was done. He heaved a ragged sigh , pressed a trembling hand on the top sign, and with a minute prick of chakra, he closed it.

He would have wept, if there was any moisture left in the air. But the heat had dried his eyes and smothered his throat. All he could do, was wait. Wait. The child, had stopped now, his whimpers were fewer and more to do with hunger than memory of pain. The flickers of red dancing cast a dance in the air heady with charka, it must had calmed him. Minato smiled, it hurt, but he was damned if he couldn't at least smile at his son ,at least once. His son, his brave little soldier. With two puffs of cheeks and a small button nose that curved, and azure blue eyes that opened like the skies. He looked so small, so fragile and so utterly like him. Nothing, a sweet pang stung him, nothing like her. Minato felt his blood throb in his eyes, a slow, lazy pulse that pleaded to lay down and just forget. To die smiling ,now that was quite a pleasant way to go .Isn't that what he always promised himself, to bow down to death and smile. Even, even if there would be nothing to smile about later, even when holy rest eluded him, maybe, maybe, he would just forget. Death was edging closer, and Minato could do nothing but look down at the bundle of cloth with a mixture of sadness. He would never see him grow-

Shadows darkened his sight, the soft rustle of ash. Pale, long fingers brushed a drop of tear on a smooth cheek, the child hardly stirred but Minato jerked his head in awareness. His heart sluggishly pounding in alarm. A man knelled before him, with ebony hair and darker pools of eyes that rested solely and intently upon Naruto. Something dark flickered through his eyes ,as he caressed the soft curve ,almost tenderly. The dark man looked strikingly famished and worn, thin fingers stroked the child's brow , a bony knee stuck sharply from his scarce flash and he engulfed in a large dark clock that hung from his thin shoulders, as he knelt over father and son. His form hidden in the growing darkness and Minato's failing sight. Yet ,he ignored the dying man beside him ,indifferent to Minato's stare.

'….too late, now and then' he sighed, a soft kind that was hardly caught, unless all was silent. Minato eyes narrowed, he was losing blood fast, even without his wounds, but something in him protested against the presence of this unknown man. Something to do with this whole mess….but his mind could barely connected dots let alone string the connection together. He could feel the tug of shignome , coaxing his soul slowly form his limbs, and he no longer had the strength to resist. The man lifted the bundle in his arms and stood.

'…Naruto'

Minato eyes widened and tried to force air into his lungs to speck. But his throat failed him. No. No, please don't harm him. …please….He must have groaned, for the man's eyes glanced at him abruptly, inky black eyes bored into his and Minato's already faint heart faltered. A second may have passed, or even days, but for Minato, time stood silent for him and he could neither react or think, but stare at the man who held his son. There were dark circles under his eyes that belied under a pale unhealthy complexion, a embedded crease between his brow on his otherwise impassive façade. Then, a cruel smirk lifted the thin corner of his mouth, an ironic and bitter sneer that spoke of years of knowledge and hardship, and a soft timber rose above the slowly deafening emptiness 'You failed, Hokage. You may have saved them now, but they will fall to ruins' the man's dark eyes glazed slightly, 'I've seen it' Minato pulse spiked. There was a air of prophesies in his tone and Minato could hardly quell the panic and devastation that rushed through his mind. His mind denied it but his heart protested…

….No, no. It wasn't for nothing. It, wasn't…..I did not imprison a demon into my son for nothing. I…Minato's chests fell, all he wanted ,was to lie down and forget. Yet this stranger, why was he here-why , Naruto? Was all this for nothing- It didn't matter.

Minato's lips tugged softly in bittersweet reminisces; he was dying, there wasn't anything more he could do, and yet he regretted nothing. He had a duty and he had for filled it, Minato's gazed at the fluff of blonde, hidden from sight upon a strangers chest. And peace finally settled ,acceptance that this was it and he was glad. He raised his eyes to met the other's ,if he had a few moments more, he would have dragged the bastard to death him, but the sole wish in his heart was now….'tell him , I loved him and… so proud' he spoke, but no sound left his voice box. He could feel his blood thickening in his veins, cold , his vision blackening and he saw the man lips thin in his otherwise passive face, his son cradled in one arm. '…so proud' His soul slipping from his flesh, that was Minato's last thought, and the slightest of regret echoed his failing mind.

Darkness, soothing and light. It was a empty darkness, that did not echo but instead gave certain containment , that surrounded you yet didn't suffocate. There were no thoughts and no words, but he felt assured of his existence, as something that was and needn't be proven ,even in the great bleak darkness that wrapped around him, it was pleasant , there was no pressure , or responsibility ,people to fear for, to protect, it was unrestricted and from his core, it felt as if his soul was breathing for the very first time, reborn. Peace- he was at peace. Isn't that what all man strive for, conflict and negotiated for, peace from everything, without care- this was a utopia. This was what he had unconsciously yearning for, and now it was his. He had found it, his little haven, a piece of heaven.

Yet, something was missing, a small piece of him, what was it- search -wonder- think- feel- what was it- think- connect- understand -harder- why- search- fumble- hurt?. ..It hurt, think- remember- touch- red? …Why, I- silence-burning ,fingers trembling….a sacrifice, no a parting? 'Minato…' a voice, Minato? '-just love the colours? Someone, -know- search deeper- who?

'Minato. Come on, hurry.' A smooth hand with callus tips grabbed his, a flash of red hair and mischievous grass-green eyes met his, a face so dear, and a grin so familiar-Katrina- 'Hurry' impatience that defined her 'Watch your step' a sweetness that overflowed her -and they were falling, then 'There' Minato gaze opened to the sky, the sun setting such that it cast red and orange into the sky. Clouds drifted lazily, surreal under the picture portrayed 'Minato, 'she gasped in delight' Don't you just love the colours of the horizon?' His vision turned and he saw her, her eyes glowing, her hair aflame in the light, chrisom red, she looked so prefect, so utterly beautiful 'Yes', -so much.

It stirred. A dream, a memory. Where was he. Where was she-? Why did it acke, hurt…was this some divine punishment, was he being punished. He wanted to see her- the darkness had stated to lift, as he searched and searched for answers that he could not find .I want to see her, he thought bitterly, if only once more. Then he was gone.

Minato eyes shoot open, and he blinked in confusion, he felt…..he felt- sad? A jot of pain shoot through his limbs, it burned, damn it-he felt like he had taken a 300 pound beating , no he was definitely in pain. A lot of ill deserved pain, he grumbled. Minato tried to blink away the haziness that blurred his focus , the ringing in his ear was irritating but controllable and he drew a pained breathe into his sore lungs. He wouldn't be doing thumb press-up's for a very long time, Minato almost bit off his own tongue, when he thought of all the training he would have to do later, might as well kill myself now, before Jiraya does. Specking of which what happened, what kind of war machine or freak accident landed him, him into such a state. They weren't at war. He doubted it was Katrina, but if she and Jiraya and perhaps Sadamina teamed up- well that would explain everything, down to the last bruise. He shouldn't speculate, he chided himself, he was sure Katrina had a reasonable explanation ,as always. He snorted, or tried to, it still kind of hurt-

'Your awake' Minato automatically turned to the voice, cranking his neck. Oh my…now that hurt, more than expected. 'Don't move' Minato blinked, thanks for the warning he mentally sighed. Really, was sensei mocking him. He could see the frame of white hair on the end of his vision and the gravely voice that vibrated to his toes. He had gotten an itch on his back and he yearned to move and deal with it. He had fallen so low as to ask sensei, but maybe if he hinted?

'3rd degree burns, your left arm had to be completely regenerated , your eyes seem to have gained temporary damage, and pelvic bone was crushed, nearly resulting to paralysation from the neck up. I told you to wait.' Minato blinked in shock, what.

A sound of heavy breathing and thump, as Jiraya weight crushed down upon a single chair 'Why did you do it kid? What made you think you could fight Kybii alone? Goddamn you, you idiotic boy. You could have died, then what. You expected us to move one, you expected me to forget. While your death was celebrated by every villager, every goddamn year. Is that what you wanted, to be some kind of messiah. Some pointless death ' Jiraya voice had risen in momentum with every single word ,until he towered over Minato chest ,painfully gripping a shoulder, Minato suppressed a wince and meet the stormy eyes of his teacher. The angry smothering the grief and the relief, till it sparked like a electric current. He remembered. He laid there in silence, unable to give an answer as his mind wrecked and tried desperately to straighten his thoughts.

Finally he spoke, roughly 'How long was I out?' How did I survive? he questioned silently. Jiraya withdrew, his face held lines that were never there before 'A day' he answered gruffly , his figure stepped out of sight, 'Casualty toll is server, no civilian loss, the village is intact but our position is extremely venerable right now. The rock nin, will take advantage, we need to formulate a defence line' a weary sigh 'You survived, kid and that's what matters' Minato felt the tug of a smile, who knew the old man cared. It was almost bleakly ironic, if not heart wrenchingly sad. Just yesterday, he had refused to look past tomorrow , now that day had past and with it , brought troubles of tomorrow. And here he thought all his troubles were over, except perhaps battling in the belly of some death god. But that was fine, hardly anyone bothered to summon a death god to kill someone. So there wouldn't be a lot of bother. Well, except the desperate.

'There was no time' he murmured coarsely 'I couldn't wait, not with the life's of our people at stake'

'And you life, have you no regard for that' Minato flinched in shock, what was he saying-

'It is my duty, my responsibility as Hokage. I led to protect-'

'That-that is why I never accepted the title. That is why I told you not to peruse it. Don't you understand, this isn't about sacrifice, this is about dying. Do you want to die?' Jiraya demanded, his voice tense and brittle. Minato stared at his sensei, astounded .Was his sensei really arguing this with him.

'Then why become a ninja? 'he asked stiffly 'Death ,dying ,killing, it's what ninja's do- we kill and are killed in return. At least now I have a cause, to see past the bloodshed with the sanity and the will to continue.' Minato struggled to sit up, pushing his weight on his elbows and collapsing heavily against the bed rest, it hurt, but there was something that churned his pride to lie down, unable to see his sense's face. He saw the old man sigh and look towards his hands interlinked, his shoulders tense as he leaned forward slightly, as if wanting to flee.

'You got me there kid, I should have retired long before I met you' Minato didn't say anything, to much had been done , in the light of events, Minato didn't want to argue, not when his thoughts still ran chaos's in his mind. So what if Jiraya disapproved, so what, it didn't matter if his sensei refused to support his decision, that was his choice and Minato had made his. It didn't matter, but it still stung. 'They offered me the title, before they even started to operate.' Jiraya stated flatly 'With their pressador dying in the room, they stopped and offered me the title. That's how it works, Minato. You give them your all and they still want more.' Jiraya unclasped his hands and heaved himself up. 'Then guess what have happened to Naruto. Not I nor Sensei could have stopped them. Not with your death' Minato flinched in outrage, how dare his sensei insinuate, accuse him with the live of his son. How could he, after all he risked-

'He would have been a hero, they would have loved him-'

'No, they would have hated and feared him, scorned him, deprived him ,orphaned and alone ,he would have hated them. He would have hated you.' Minato shook his head in denial, they would never do that, not to his son, Naruto, his brave little soldier…..

'No? The council is discussing you son's life as we speck. Be grateful that Sadiame still holds some sway over the people, even if they refuse his presence in the hall. Right now, they are torturing the man who saved you-' his heart jerked within the confines of his chest. He had thought, he had presumed, that Naruto…..

'Where is he?' Minato demanded, his voice shook slightly, how could he have given up, how could he have accepted it? In those final moments. Minato felt adrenaline pulse through his veins ,and with agitated , trembling movements, he pulled himself form the confines of his bed. He was in pain, every twitched sent his bundle of nerves screaming, but he forced himself to his feet. Jiraya said nothing, but looked firmly into Minato's eyes and saw the glint of determination before he nodded his consent. 'Naruto's with Sadiame, the boy refused to give him to anyone else.' Minato blinked, but refused to think of it until a later date. He needed to get to his son, make sure the seal had not affected him in any way, or let anything-

Jiraya stopped his fumbling movement, with a firm grip on his elbow 'Minato, I think you should check on the boy.' no, he needed to see Naruto, everything else can wait, Naruto needed him- 'Sensei will take care of your son, he's safe, but the boy. They've taken him down to the ABUD and I haven't heard anything since. He's been there for longer than 24 hours-' Jiarya let the implication sink silent, Minato pursued his lips, that man, and nodded. Naruto was safe, have faith, Minato.

Jiraya took a grim breathe, 'You won't get far on your own' he grumbled, and swiftly transported them in a gust of smoke.

It was cold, as always. And the flimsy nightshift that he wore did nothing to rectify that fact. Minato struggled to suppress a shudder as his feet padded unsteadily to the door. Jiraya had yet to let go off his arm, and he wasn't prideful enough to take it back. Not when he desperately need to lean against something, the pangs of pain had slowly died as he forced his sluggish limbs forward. It was very convenient that he wasn't forced to climb down those stairs, he would have surely fallen, and would have certainly died. They had bypassed security, if they had been any left and were now in the heart of the mainframe, that led to number 3 of the torture chambers. Minato closed his eyes and refused to think of anything. It was a stranger, no one he cared for, merely a man who would give me the answers he needed. I am cold, no warmth or emotion, Minato incited mentally in preparation,though he still felt desperately weak and fragile. He felt Jiraya gaze, before the man pressed a bloody thumb against the seal, Minato gave a choked huff. Of course the man would have registered his own blood into the seal, it was his design, never mind that it gave him unrestricted access to an important council secrete. Distractedly Minato noted, that his fingers twitch uncontrollably, it seemed he was stretching himself by just standing still. But Jiraya firmly gripped his other shoulder and pushed him forwards into the opening doorframe. Minato forced himself to move, albeit jerky he managed to support himself somewhat.

The door way opened to the a plain arena, the ceiling was high and the space allowed any ninja to perform whatever jutsu necessary. It had stone bricks that was specially designed to withstand large amount of chakra and sealed tight so not even the air could travel freely here, it gave the room a musky smell of dust, of blood and urine and dirt. There was no natural light, not this deep under ground, but a fading light bulb shone overheard, with just enough light as not to squint .And in the centre stood a single iron chair ,on it sat a tattered man. They had removed his clock and what he wore was worn and threadbare. His sharp bones stuck out ,almost delicately against his frame and the matt black locks, stuck carelessly in all direction, his face indifferent to the blood that dripped from his open cuts as three ABUD towering over him, one pressed a glint of metal against his skin. His body spasmized and breathed slightly heaver, yet his cuffed hands remained relaxed in it's restraints. Minato's eyes narrowed, it seemed there was a reason why he was sent immediately to the ABUD quarters, his pain resistance was somewhat impressive. One of the ABUD turned at the unknown interuption, spotted the Minato- in all his hospital gown magnificence and immediately dropped to his knee, his head bowed in respect. The other two were too intent with their unbreakable toy to immediately register Minato's presence, but half a second later, they too turned and dropped to their knee's in stunned silence. The uncertain ,shocked atmosphere stifled Minato mouth, fully aware of how clearly his men could see his physical weakness. They had probably been informed that Hokage was dead ,judging by the silence, only the dark man's eyes remained indifferent ,merely sat there passively, in the face of a resurrected dead man.

'Oi, the legendarily frog hermit has arrived, please escort yourselves out ! 'Minato winced at the yell that echoed his left ear,' Hokage needs a word with the boy' Jiraya's voice boomed in the enclosed space, amplifying it until it echoed dizzyingly in his head. The Abud didn't even utter a word of confirmation, just disappeared in a puff of smoke. Minato stood unsteadily, unsure if he had the strength or the will to do this .Jiraya let Minato's arm go ,silently signalling his support. Minato took a deep breath and forced himself to walk forward, one step forward at a time. The dark inky eyes followed each twitch with apathetic features, Minato felt a tug of irritation, after all he hadn't been tortured to an inch of his life by specialist. Now this man, soaked with his own sweat and blood looked down at him? Had he ever battled Kybii, it wasn't as easy as it looked. He stopped ten foot from the man and stared at the mess, the last thing he saw had been this man, holding his child and threatening the destruction of his village. Now what did that make him, Minato wondered, a breathing carcass-

Minato drew a breathe and steely demanded 'What happened? What did you do?' The man lifted his head and stared straight back into his own, a lazy smirk slowly lifting his mouth , there was a long pause , then the man turned his head to the ceiling, resting his neck on the iron framework. Minato felt heat boil in his veins, at the blatant dismissal, but a voice cut through the silence-

'Why does it matter what I did?' a smooth, low tone questioned. Minato frowned in irritation. Why did it matter, well, it would be helpful to know why he was here. Alive ,that is.

'Why did you save me?' Minato questioned. It didn't make sense, not if this man was -. Inky eyes closed, the smirk had died on his face and his face was once again impassive. It was like every emotion ,very thought was cut firmly behind an steel door, and only the reflection of a mirror was seen, it was unnerving but not uncommon in the ranks of Shinobi. Mostly those who had lived through a war or been tortured , how many wars had this man seen.

'Call it a whim' the man replied, then mockingly inquired 'Are you upset?'

Minato gripped his shirt, of course he didn't care if his life had been careless disregarded, but how had he done it. He had made a contract with the Death God ,a contract that could not be revoked, withdrawn or bargained with. It was clear and it was precise, your soul for you enemy's life. To meddle with the foundation of life and death, then call it a whim? A whim that was likely to cost your life, not only that but your essence, your very being. No one, not even the bravest would call it a whim.

'What did you do? Answer me!' Minato hissed furiously, he shouldn't be here, he shouldn't alive. So who was this man that played God. This pathetic man ,sitting in his own blood, half starved and dressed in rags. This man , did he really understand the extent of his actions, what consequences it may deal, how can he so carelessly disregard this. How dare he mess up the contract that was directly linked to his son's life, his son! Minato wanted to tear out his throat.

'Tell me, otherwise I will brake every two hundred and six of your bones' he stated coldly, and he would. He had wanted to kill the man before his death , it seemed like the desire hadn't left him. The man hadn't even graced him with a glance , but continued to stare at the ceiling as if in deep thought.

Then 'Why does it scare you? ' Minato narrowed his eyes, why does it scare me? Why did what scare him? 'Are you afraid that you will die?' the man toned dully,' If so, then that is not the case.' the man shifted his head and let it hang without withstraint, so that half his face was covered in the long shadows and , that collected near his dark eyelashes. 'Your soul no longer belongs to it, 'he stated tediously, as if it were the most obvious fact of life. A pause then, 'Is that all?' clear scorn traced his voice. Minato, twitched ,breathe he commanded himself, he took a step forward, than another , constraining himself not to fall, until he was one foot from the man. Looming over him, he could see the setting's of infection, and that had began to scab and heal around his neck, the dark shadows that around his eyes. The man had turned his head in interest as Minato had approached but had said nothing. Minato clenched his hand raised it, fast and reckless, intent to punch the bastard at least once.

It did not connect, Minato's hand past the physical barrier and slipped through the man's skin, like oil upon water. Minato eyes widened in shock, as his hand seemed lodged in the mans check, dispassionate eyes met his and blinked. 'That was unexpected, I see why your called Yellow Flash. If you would withdraw your hand form my person, I'm sure if won't happen again.' Minato raised his eyebrows, excuse me, won't happened again? Cautiously he withdrew his hand till only his finger was left, unashamedly, he wiggled one with a frown, Was this a manipulation of space, if so this at a very high calibre. Minato retracted his fingers completely and poked them back, only to meet flesh. He pressed a little harder, in case it gave way, but to no avail. Hmmm. That was interesting. 'I believe you were angry' the man stated, Minato observed with fascination of the slight twitch in the man's jaw. Was he? Oh, yes. Minato quickly raised his hand and slapped him, the man's head snapped back with the force, and his ragged hair hung limply against his face. Ahhh, that was satisfying, after all who knew if he would have such an opportunity again, with him knowing that heft trick. Minato deliberated this carefully, before he slapped him again. Yes, he definitely felt better, and damn, no one deserved it more than this man.

But that didn't explain how he was able to use it in Chakra suppressing handcuffs, nor why he had taken the torture of ABUD specialist. 'Do you like being beaten?' he asked with curiosity, was he some kind of macaoist who liked to be tortured, he had heard of such people before but couldn't quite understand why people relish pain. The man lifted his head looked blankly at Minato ,than stated in mocking tone 'Yes, I enjoy it very much. Please hit me again' Minato nearly smiled and hit him right there, but he restrained man really did irk him.

'Kybii is sealed within a child. You failed Madara, you will never defeat Kohana-.'a snort. The man lifted his head and studied Minato, a flicker of amusement crossed his eyes .Than a great guff of laughter echoed the arena, it bounced heavily against the walls until it amplified the sound. It sounded bitter and slightly off-radar. Had the man gone mad, Minato wondered, it wouldn't be surprising.

'What did you call me?' Minato frowned, was he denying it? Who did he think he was talking to? He had literally confessed it- when Minato lay dying at his feet.

'I called you Madara,' he repeated firmly

The man shook is head, a slight twitch of his lips 'Madara is a coward. He was weak when I last saw him and no doubt he is weaker at present. Through you are correct to conclude that he did indeed summon the Kybii, do you believe he would risk kybii wrath ' the man's eyes hardened, cold with distain 'He is not one for direct conflict, he is a planner and a politician, you have most likely met him more than once but never in battle'

Minato gritted in agitation, was he saying that Madara was a spy in their village, a civilian-that is impossible, ridicules. 'You lie, what are you planning' he hissed. To lie so blatantly, it was vexing.

The dark eyes met his, sombre and utterly open. 'Do I?'

'Either way, you will be put to death' Minato stated bluntly, there was no way he was letting such a dangerous guy roam free. He was a threat that must be terminated.

'Then think as you wish,' the man replied passively

'I will ask you one last time, what did you do' Minato growled

The man looked at him with hooded lids 'I fail to see why it matters, but as you are so tiring insistent. I made a new contract, you are no longer a factor in it' Minato drew a hitched breath in shock, his hand lifted and curled around the damp, bloodied vest and curled. His leaned heavily, resting solely upon the man, as his legs weakened. The man regarded him silently, unaffected by the tremors that shook his body. As Minato struggled to stay upright.

'You did what? Minato stammered

'I dealt a new contract' the man toned flatly

'For what, what could you possible give that is worth a human soul' There was nothing, nothing more tempting than a willing soul to a Death God, sure they eat souls but none were willing. Unless, unless this man had offered someone else, a sacrifice? But why? What reason, for what cause did he risk his life, for this deal one he would clearly not benefit from. Unless there was another cause. Then why did he summon the Kybi, why taunt him than save him? And who would he sacrifice in Minato's place, who could he. Only those who are aware could he be traded, no one, not a single soul would be willing.

The man stared straight into Minato's eyes his black inky depth spoke nothing yet it seemed to drown under a emotion that Minato had yet to understand or experience 'A lot of things' the man replied.

'Why did you lay down your life?' he questioned ironically. Minato frowned, it was his duty, his obligation and his love. It was always an unconscious decision, one that he would repeat over and over.

'It was my desire and I that I could' he replied unthinkingly. It had nothing to do with being Hokage, he realised, and everything to do with his love. He would have done the exact same thing, even if he did not stand in the title. Oh, god, did he really have martyr tendencies?

A touch of a smile touched the dark mans lips, not a smirk that lifted one corner or a sneer that hinted mockery or even a grim line, it was one of- of-of? It wasn't malicious, Minato concluded , sort of accepted, expectant, no ironic? 'Are you trying to kiss me?' the man questioned lightly, Minato jerked his head back in consciousness, he had been leaning so close that he could taste the breathe of other mouth. Minato looked away, abashed and slightly humiliated. He feet wouldn't bear his weight and he leaned drunkenly against the man. This was not the ideal integration situation, Minato noted in irritation.

'How old are you ,Hokage' the man suddenly asked. Minato glanced back in question '19' he humoured. What did his age matter? It was trifle in the life of a ninja and it was rare anyone remembered their own age. Yet ,the man stiffened, Minato felt his thin muscles tense under his unsteady form, the man glanced to the far wall 'I see' he murmured. 'It would have been unfortunate for you if you had died' Minato was past trying to understand this man, and now harboured doubts if the man was sane. It was better to torture this man until completely lost the rest of his sanity. It would be easier for everyone ,that way.

'Well, it was nice meeting you, I best leave you with you new friends.' Through I must remember to inform them of his little trick with space, he thought, somewhat maliciously .Really ,was it bad to hate someone you barely knew? Minato rose with a trembling limb and bore his weight precautious, he would deal with this man when he had clear head and more information. Right now, he was at a disadvantage. Better blindfold him too, who knew what those eyes could do, Minato noted , a slight metal pause. Minato groaned, that's why he need to be focused. He really hoped he wasn't under an illusion, cos he was too tired to check.

'He left,'

Minato turned a weary head to the man. 'Who did?'

'Your butler' the guy answered shortly, ebony hair brushing against his nose as he glanced at the now deserted door. Minato automatically followed his gaze, only to see no sign of Jiraya. What? Why? Oh for the love of- was Jiraya really that trusting to leave him with a psychopath who may or may not have saved his life? Who knows what Mardara, with all his unhinged plans was thinking , this all may be an elaborate, well played, and somewhat questionable trap. Damn him, how was he suppose to get his son now? He could barely stand let alone walk,… he could crawl, Minato deliberated thoughtfully, but it would take a very, very long time. And those stairs, Minato wanted to bash his sensei's head against the wall. How could he have been so thoughtless, this reminded Minato all to clearly of his Jinan days. Jiraya better not be drunk at this very moment ,or he was going to find himself on some very dubious missions.

'He left moments before you slapped me?' the suspect Madara replied. Minato turned to the man and studied his with mistrust- he had sensed that?-in his current state?- not very likely.

'He winked' the man ended. Minato wanted to bash his head against the floor, of course Jiraya would wink to a prisoner, of course said prisoner would see him , despite the being pumped full of morphine and being seconds away from a punch. And it was a punch, damn you , not a slap. Minato breathed deeply trying to keep his balance and his frustration in check. Minato gave one last look at the man and turned slowly to the exit, he had a long way to crawl, he thought morosely, as he placed one foot firmly in front of another.

Now Minato had very high tolerance for pain, it was necessary in his line of work. But all the tolerance in the world nor the will to stay conscious can stop your body from shutting down , especially when it needed to. So, it was then, with 8 minutes of walking ,hardly three feet from the exit, gasping and exhausted , slightly light-headed with the mental and physical torments, that he found himself falling. Earth bound to gravity's will. Shit, he sighed, as the cold floor rushed forward.

Bloodied arms snatched his stomach, and with a fluid motion hitched his feet clear of the floor and over the shoulder of one bony shoulder, Minato , with failing eyes , lifted his head to see unoccupied handcuffs and one empty iron chair in the distance 'Shit' he thought dejectedly. Darkness swam and drowned his vision. The man merely hoisted him more firmly over his shoulder 'Another idiot'

'Minato,' a voice sang to him 'Where did you hid my chocolates' Minato vision turned and a the sight of dishevelled red hair and tried lime-green eyes crossed his , a faint pout on her lips.

'Why would I have your chocolate' he heard himself say in confusion. Katrina put her hands on her hips, a full blown scowl on her face and a wicked gleam that promised ….

'Because you hid -' Darkness

Minato breathe hitched , his mind slowly emerging form it's depths, and released a uncontrolled groan. Hot damn, why on earth had his injures gotten worse, it itched and he could feel his ribs bandaged. Newly healed bones, he thought clinically. Minato focused his head to clear , so he could identify his location. He had not forgotten that the bastard had escaped, nor did it escape his mind that he had been taken along. White enclosure, the light bounced of strongly and he could sense the warmth of sunlight, so he wasn't underground, he also appeared to be in a bed, with clean impersonal sheets , at least it felt clean. He doubted a man as ragged as Madara could afford clean sheets. Though he was comfortable, at lot more comfortable then he thought necessary, was Madara trying to butter him up. The room seemed quite small, breathe echoe, hotel? Inn? His house, perhaps? And it smelled, like disinfection, quite like the ones they use in- Minato's eyes flew open and leaped upright. His arms supporting his weight as pained stabbed his stomach.

The hospital? Not any hospital either, it was Kohana's Hospital. Minato groaned, why was nothing going how it was suppose to. Wasn't there some kind of rules you should follow. A rustle of cloth drew his attention to the left, and he found the dark man sitting perfectly at ease. His face still bore the marks of torture but he had somehow managed to find his clock and wrapped it around his bloodied under clothes, through he still resembled a dirty traveller he certainly didn't look at all like a tortured spy.

Minato stared at the man 'You are the worst kidnapper in the history of man kind' he stated blankly. Those rules, Minato numbly thought, rule number one, do not return the hostage .Rule number two, try to remain anonymous. Rule number three, actually hold your captive ,captive. Who healed an enemy? Not only healed them but took them to a hospital? A hospital that was in the kidnappee's village? Was Madara really mentally sane? The man said nothing, but grunted a monoitous sound.

'What in God's name is going through your mentally unhinged mind?' Minato questioned quietly. He was either insane or he was entirely to smart for even Minato to comprehend. The man lifted an eyebrow, in mockery of Minato's own mental stability. This man was messing with his mind, Minato thought dejectedly, and he was succeeding.

'What do you want?' he demanded steely. He wasn't sure of this man's intentions and that made him even more so dangerous. But this was the essence of this whole mathematical equation; what did he want. What was he after , what did he want. Why did he save him and then not kill him and then put him in a damn hospital. Why did he take a beating he could obviously could avoid, why did he return Naruto, why did he come to the village at all. Why not leave him in some ditch where they would find him? And where the hell was Jiraya. Minato was mentally exhausted , he blamed the situation and the obvious drugs in his system, but he began to fantasy about torturing his sensei…quiet realistically.

First he would strap him in one of those lunatic chairs, then he would take out those chakra needles and stuff it up every chakra point, then he would open his mouth and shove a resengu down his throat, no- he would shove it down Madara's throat , oh and then he would pull out their finger nails-

'Yes, you are right. Every man has something to gain for every action he takes.' Minato snapped back at the low timber voice, he mentally scowled himself for wishful thinking and waited for the man to continue. The man stared at him , and Minato tired to be patient.

'Well?' Because really, they were all adults here, no need to beat round the bush 'What do you want?' he snarled with bear hostility. He wasn't bitter or least of all childish, he just didn't like the man and that he was Hokage. It came with a little pride.

'What will you do?' the man question after a moment' After you rebuild you village and strengthen your military? After you sign your petty treaties and plot behind you hypocritical friendships, then what, are you going into another war? Do you want to defeat another village or scheme attack? What will you do Hokage?' Mianto scowled, the Rock nin had attacked them and broke the treaty. Kohann had to confront the threat or otherwise be destroyed, it was not their decision but Rock's and they decided . They knew the consequences , and they paid for it when they lost the war. Did Madara sympathises with backstabbers? That was a very disturbing thought, Kohana had a lot of enemies….

'What of you , do you plan to settle down perhaps. Met a girl?' What was this sudden interest in his affairs, not only the in his position as Hokage but in his personal business? What did have to do with anything? Did Madara want to be Hokage, yes, that was right, he wanted to be Hokage. Minato frowned, did he actually think the people would accept him? Fear him, yes ,respect him, maybe but accept him to lead them , no. Not one in the village, young or old would allow that, even the Uchiha's, and they were traditionalist.

'And while you overcome dangerous trails and accomplish amazing feats ,change society to your beliefs. While your name is written down for generations to come, I wonder, who would stay home.' Minato blinked in confusion, overcome what, what amazing feats, had something happened? How long had he been unconscious for, surely not that long. It was only 3 hours right, right?

'Who will be with your son, while you hat sits upon your head as Hokage.' Minato jerked in shock, comprehension formed. 'For while you are Hokage, Naruto will always come second' The dark man's face was cold, a grim line across his mouth, a harsh shadow swept his eyes and his hair seemed to spike with electricity, that it stood wild and at end. 'Just like you son was second in the face of Kybii, just like he will always be in your life-'

'Shut up. 'Minato snarled, ' What can you know? What do you know? He's my son. My son' his voice sounded shaky in his own ears.

'And what a father you are' the man hissed 'You sacrifice your own son. Your flesh and bones. Did you hate his mother that much, you spit on your son' Minato crumbled, no he wouldn't think of that, not now. He took a shuddering breathe and tried to numb himself, but it acked. Why did it acke so much. I want to see her. Minato tried to focus, but the stranger had hit too deep and too fast.

'I love my son' Minato murmured softly' He is mine and I love him for it'

'Yet the moment he was born ,you seal a demon into him' the man scorned 'Without he consent .Did you ever thought how he would feel? Yes, I see the love in that'

'He would be protecting the village he loved, he would have been strong' Minato stated 'He would have been loved'

'For what price, you fool. The price of his family. A child growing without his father, did you ever think beyond tomorrow. He was orphaned, no one , he had no one.' The dark man sat tense on his seat, hands gripped in tightly in ball and his eyes glowed with something Minato could not identify. Lust? 'They hated him. The villagers would have scorned him' The man let a mocking chuckle, 'Loved him? They would have feared him, thrown stones at his back, the boy who killed their beloved Hokage? What do you think would have happened to the boy? He would have been killed. By the very villagers you sacrificed him for. Isn't that what you wanted? ' the man taunted viciously 'They would never see past the face of the Kybii, all they would see was a demon child' he darkly prophesied. The echoes of Jiraya's words was not lost on him, parallel if not menacing or ugly in sharpness. Minato shook hi head in denial. That would have never had happened, even if he had died, Jiraya. He never have let the council, Sadiame, he would never allow it. Unfeasible, unthinkable. The villagers would have loved him, Naruto was their savour. He was their guardian, they would have looked to him for strength, they would have put their faith in him. He would have carried their trust ,respect and their love. He was a hero- Minato breathed steadily, it was okay, he was fine, Naruto was loved, he's always been…..

'Are you so blinded that you cannot see the truth?' the man pinned him under unwavering eyes 'You guileless child. No doubt ,your sensei believed the same nonsense; the village saying of 'of the fire' ,that is why you fall in the end. In the end , you hurt him for nothing.' Minato was uncertain, his footing lie on rocky heights that threaten to overwhelm him, one step back and he would fall, another forward laid the unknown and dark abyss below ,he would fall, Minato shook his head silently 'You know the truth' the man whispered, Minato fall, his mind completely blanked in his instinctive attempt not to fall to insanity, he was laid completely wrecked…

'Give him to me.' Madara whispered 'Give me Naruto.' Minato turned to the man, his eyes hoping desperately , for something, something to hold him steady in his shattering mind….

'I can train him. He need never know the hatred your village is capable of.' such sweet promise, melted from his tongue, coaxing his father's instinct to protect and playing with his unknown fears. 'He will be protected and loved. Learn to control his emotions, control his mind and his will.' the words spun soothingly his tone 'He will know of his heritage but he will never fear himself, never hate who he is' Madara knelt over him and pushed him gently down to the bed, dark eyes held his with such promise and understanding ' I will return him. I am not selfish, but when he is ready. Only when he is ready' a dark tone swept underneath the compelling sweetness, it tasted dark in contrast to his previous words, Minato blinked. Return him, yes, of course he wanted Naruto to return, but why did that sound like a threat? A dark ,cruel promise? Return him, return him loved, return him safe, his mind supplied, return him with what twisted ideologies? With hatred for a village and his father who cursed him-

'No!' Minato cried, 'No! You will never control him Madara.' Minato tried to struggle to his elbows, but the man pressed him securely down, he growled 'Liar. It was your fault, all your fault. You, you summoned the Kybi, you forced this decision on me-' Yes-he did. Now that he failed he wished to have Naruto to do it for him. Never, not ever. Not as long as he lived. Not his Naruto, his-

'I am not Madara, you idiot.' the man growled abruptly ' Do you have any idea how he looks like? No? Then stop calling me by that man's name!' Minato was stunned silent, was he actually still denying it? The man drew a sharp breathe and hung his head, his fingers tightened around Minato's should and he suppressed a wince, there was quiet and all that was heard was a soft breathing, 'It's must in the genetics',' the man mumbled softly 'They're all idiots' Minato really, really felt like gutting the manipulative bastard. He really did think Minato was stupid.

'I will never give you Naruto' Minato sneered. The man turned his inky depths to his, his anger burned black with fury, his lips taunt to a thin white line.

'Do you understand what your saying' he withdrew and stood two feet from the bed. Steadily regarding Minato with cold unreadable eyes. 'Do you truly understand the loneliness and pure cruelty you would be exposing him to?', again the sweet promise for salvation. The dark shadows seemed to stretch over pale skin and a wicked glem shone in his eye 'That , that would make him hate you all the more, Hokage. Without his father's attention, who do you think he would blame. Or will you not tell him why he is hated or feared. Would that make it easier for you, make you feel less guiltier, perhaps?' the man smirked, his demeanour cruel.

'And you would have me send my own child to slavery, willingly. No, that. That would be cruel.' Minato spat.

'You have no choice, Hokage. You owe me a debt' the man stated with forbidden eyes, coldly warning him of the danger and his own venerablebilty. Minato 's lips curled in contempt, so this is what he wanted. He wanted Minato's consent. The consent of a father to take his son and rob him of childhood.

'Never,' he hissed, 'Never. Over my dead body' Minato dearly wished to spit at his feet, or at least throw something lethal. He would never sell his child, not for his life.

'This is a matter of your life.' the man mercilessly spat 'Your life began the contract, mine relies on your debt. To deny me your debt would kill you and I would take him, no matter the circumstances.' the man turned away and faced the wall, as if it could give him what he wanted. As if the lies and honey combed words word sweeten the betrayal. 'This is a matter for the Death Gods,' the man stated softly, deceitfully sincerely 'I have no influence over it's content. I could not change the substance of your seal, only the sacrifice. Will you overturn all I risked, for some petty ,mislead righteousness' the man pressed both hands against the wall and leaned forward, his head limp as it hung in misleading defeat. 'Naruto would be far happier in my care than yours. I know this and so do you.' his tone steel but his voice enticing 'You are still a child yourself, can you be a father? You do not know yourself, soon you too will fear your own child. Hate him and hate yourself for it' the man paused 'Let me take him,' a soft voice, almost beseechingly.

Minato laid with even more questions pounding his mind, later he would recall this day, but for now he had a choice. And his heart was decided ,'No' he would never forgive himself for not being anything less than a father to Naruto. Even if it resulted to his own death, he would never give him up, to no one. The man turned to him , his eyes as hard as flint.

'No? So you will die before I leave this room and I will take him anyway.' it was impersonal, a detached , emotionless tone and it promised death.

'He is my son' Minato muttered eyes fixed on something beyond the room 'Perhaps he may be happier with you, but I love him to dearly to let him go' Minato cast his eyes down, would he really be happier with this stranger, the man who demised the downfall of his home. 'And I very much doubt anything you say. At least here, he will be safe' silence greeted his reason, the man sighed.

'I would return him, when he turned older. Is that not enough'

Minato shook his head 'I want his love, and I want him,' he turned his eyes to the man inky black depths, unreadable, emotionless and cold 'Would you take my son away from me' Minato questioned the stone made man, would you take him from me, he asked silently.

'Would you beg for it?' the man replied. Minato stiffened, then nodded. He would grovel if need be, it was clear who held the cards. The man turned away and ran a hand through his coal static locks, he walked about the room, pacing a crease marrowing his forehead.

'Est ponal ca ne donm nol, ca-fe ,ca-se' he whispered finally, he turned to the Minato 'I revoke the debt I called' he translated. Minato nodded with relief. He had time, all he needed was time.

The man scowled 'Sleep, I will wake you if need be. But I will not leave until I see him' Minato tried to protest, he didn't want the bastard anywhere near Naruto, but the man waved a hand across his eyes and they closed instantly. Tired eyes watched the younger one, 'What am I doing' he muttered, he drew a shuddering breathe and sat on the chair once more. 'He reminds me so much of him….'